Thanks for a heck of a year, Mack.

Mack Collier probably thinks I wouldn't pen a post commemorating his 1-year blogiversary. But it's likely the only thing he'd be wrong about. Plus, waiting until a few days after gives me element of surprise on my side (sneaky, right?).

A lot of notable people get credit for bringing us into the blogosphere. But Mack Collier has kept us in it (along with a lot of you, absolutely...but this is a Mack post). Mack is truly the cornerstone of our community.

His secret? Well, he invests time in keeping up with social media (and music). But he doesn't try at all to be a generous guy. In fact, he's one of the best people I've met in my life.

Mack and I talk a good bit on the phone to brainstorm, vent or catch-up. He's a buddy as well as a trusted blogger and he's just as kind and funny as on his blog. I've been fortunate to get him to freelance for me a few times--and I'm hoping much more in the future. Like all of us, I'd love to see Mack go far.

So yesterday I call him to tell him how much I loved his birthday banner (pictured above) that, in true Mack style, celebrated everyone ELSE! Then we started talking about LinkedIn. We both said that we would get more involved with that community and then...not two hours later...he sends me this:

"I'll go through my LinkedIn list and leave a buncha recommendations for everyone, including you.  I should have done that a long time ago."

The first thing Mack thinks about in going to the site is everyone else. And then he says he should have done it long ago. Um, Mack, long ago you were creating The Z-List, Top 25 Marketing Blogs and Viral Community Newsletters--only THE top programs that, um, promote others.

Happy Blog Day, buddy. You set and raise the bar by just being you. That's why we all heart you so very much.

P.S.: Drew posted a great piece on Mack several days ago right here. Thanks for saving the banner so nicely Drew ;-).

Comments

[Ann Handley]

Awesome post for an awesome guy.

I got a recommendation from Mack via LinkedIn, too. The LinkedIn way to "recommend" someone, typically, is reciprocal, as in, "Hey! I recommended you! Can you recommend me?" But true to form, Mack never even requested as much. He is one of the most unselfish and ego-less bloggers I've ever met.

As you say, CK, "The first thing Mack thinks about in going to the site is everyone else." How many others in your life are truly as selfless?

Congrats, Mack.

And CK: thanks for giving me the opportunity to gush!

[Drew McLellan]

Mack rocks in a way that few do.

He is in many ways the epitome of the blogosphere. He gives freely, spotlights others and helps grow the whole.

If blogging had rock stars, Mack would be one for sure! I can see him on stage now shouting, "I love you people!" and meaning every word.

Drew

[Mack Collier]

Thank you CK. What CK also didn't tell you was that every time we talk she's always gushing about how she's just met a fellow blogger and how wonderful they are. I remember she told me once that I *had* to go read this great new blog she had found, Servant of Chaos. Since then almost every time we talk, she's found a new blog that I *have* to check out ;) And they all end up being great.

And I see Ann didn't get the email wanting to know where the hell my recommendation was ;) I've never been big on the whole 'I'll link to you if you link to me' deal. Besides Ann has done PLENTY for me, I'll be owing her for a while.

Thanks Drew, I've lost count on how many people have asked me 'Where the hell did this Drew guy come from? His blog is great!'

You guys rule, and thanks again CK for posting this ;)

[Paul McEnany]

Mack gets all the credit in the world. I've said it before, and I'll say it again. If it weren't for Mack, I doubt I'd still be a blogger.

Congrats, man!

[Gavin Heaton]

Thanks for showcasing Mack, CK. You also are a great supporter of us all -- your great thinking and energy is infectious! Not to mention that you are, from time to time, quite sneaky ;)

I think many of us owe Mack a great deal. He is not only tireless in his support of new and experienced bloggers, he champions ideas, extends connections and makes us all rethink and reconsider the real and virtual worlds that we inhabit.

Many times I read Mack's blog or his comments elsewhere and think "Wish I had thought of that!".

Oh, and I am looking forward to seeing Mack on that stage too ... (and fingers crossed, supported by The Donnas).

[Katie Chatfield]

Wow. I'm so humbled by what Mack's been able to achieve over the last year, even more so by his genuine enthusiasm and generosity.

And you too CK- thanks for shining the light and spreading the love during a pretty dark week in the blogsphere.

[David Reich]

Happy blog birthday to Mack.

I remember when you first starting blogging, ck, way back in the dark ages, and you told me about all the great people you were meeting online. Mack was definitely one of the mentors. I felt I knew him too, before I began blogging, from reading his great comments on your blog.

[Sacrum]

I send Mack warmness. I send you CK warmness also and foremostly. I wishing one year old too? I must getting there!

Warmness all.

[BobG]

I get chills thinking about all the happiness Mack spreads. 50 million blogs and growing - We are all (I am) lucky to have found him. Think about those odds? You nailed it CK - the only number one in Mack's book is "the other one"! Happy Birthday, Mr MoBLogs - may your ripples continue expanding!

[Mario Sundar]

I've got to agree with all the previous comments, CK.

It's true that Mack has shone the spotlight on a lot of us bloggers when we entered the marketing blogosphere looking for a community.

THANKS, Mack, for being a great source of support and inspiration!